This cute character is Barney and, in case you're wondering how such a creature should come by a fetching aloha shirt, it's all because of the talents of his enterprising owner.
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Jo Livingston, of Jerrabomberra, fashioned his outfit out of a stubby holder on the occasion of the July Capital Country Cavy Club show in Queanbeyan, which featured an inaugural guinea pig costume contest.
A Goulburn mother and daughter entered their guinea pig in a hand-crocheted apron and hat, and small milk bucket, alongside a plastic Hereford cow. The idea was the pet was a milkmaid.
And another small girl donned a nurse's costume and brought along her guinea pig, with red spots like it was a touch unwell.
More guinea pigs in fancy dress are expected at the club's coming show, slated for September 18 at the Scout Hall on Erin Street, Queanbeyan. Anyone interested in entering their own guinea pigs, seeing lots of cavies on show, or speaking to other guinea pig fans can come along.
''Guinea pigs don't mind being dressed up and don't mind sitting still for the judges,'' Livingston, a long-time enthusiast, said.
She began to show guinea pigs as a child. Her satin chocolate Himalayan won a prize and that was the beginning of a passion for showing.
There are some similarities between dog showing and guinea pig showing, Livingston said.
Sows are judged against other sows and boars against other boars in search of the best of each kind in heats.
The ones that get through compete for best of breed, each breed having its own standard. And guinea pigs need to be fit, not fat.
''They really have standards like a meat animal,'' Livingston said. ''I always say to people, 'They're like little Hereford cows with no legs'.''
Unlike a dog show, the guinea pigs need not run around a ring. They sit on a board and a judge takes a close look at their colour and condition. Like a dog show, a certain amount of grooming takes place beforehand. Coarse guard hairs are removed in order to give a sleeker, smoother look.
July's show attracted more than 180 entries from Queanbeyan, Canberra, Sydney, Yass and beyond.
At the coming show, guinea pigs can compete for the title of fastest eater, heaviest, best baby and best adult.
Breeds on show will include the rough-coated Abyssinian, the Dutch, and some long-haired varieties.
- The Capital Country Cavy Club show is on September 18 from 10am-4pm. To enter your guinea pig in the show just bring it on the day.